Child's Slat Back Arm Chair

Period1730 - 1760

MediumCherry, and ash

Dimensions23.13 × 14.5 × 10.88 in. (58.7 × 36.8 × 27.6 cm)

InscribedA handwritten adhesive label affixed to the underside of the rush seat reads, "Property of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell."

ClassificationsSeating Furniture

Credit LineGift of Mrs. J. Amory Haskell, 1936

Object number2002.513

DescriptionA child's slat back arm chair featuring upper and medial shaped slats and a lower simple slat, the upper edge of which has broken off. The rear stiles incorporate flattened or compressed ball turnings and large ball finials. Two baluster turned front posts end in button finials. Simple, plain turned arm rests are unusually thin. The front stretcher has been turned with a small reel flanked by balusters. The other three stretchers have been simply dowel turned. The chair retains an early and possibly original woven rush seat.
Curatorial RemarksThis diminutive child's chair shares features with other slat back chairs produced in Monmouth County and central New Jersey between 1750 and 1820. These include the use of large ball finials, compressed ball elements in the front and rear posts, shaped slats, and baluster turnings on the arm supports. The articulation of the front stretcher suggests it may have been made toward the later end of that date range.

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